LAKE COWICHAN DISTRICT DATA

Lake Cowichan:

North of Duncan, take Hwy 18 to Lake Cowichan. This long partially paved road cuts through from the east to the middle of the island and beyond to the west coast. Lake Cowichan has excellent trout fishing, From Lake Cowichan Village at the east end of the lake, the road splits. The road along the north shore leads to Yoobou and a logging road to Bamfield. The south shore road leads to Port Renfrew. Around Lake Cowichan's shore is a network of nature walks. The Cowichan Valley Demonstration Forest, located along the lake, on Hwy 18, provides an outdoor classroom of forest management.

March Meadows Golf Club (Semi-private)
P.O. Box 1306, Lake Cowichan, BC  V0R 2G0
(250) 749-6241

Lake Cowichan to Bamfield (Hwy 18)

Traversing the southern part of Vancouver Island, this 100km (63mile) unpaved stretch of road leads to small west coast logging and fishing villages. Along Highway 18, near Cowichan Lake is the Cowichan Valley Demonstration Forest with extensive walking trails offering a self-guided tour explaining the forest and it's management. At the town of Lake Cowichan (28 km or 17 miles west of Highway 1) one road follows the north shore of the lake to Youbou. The southern route passes through Gordon Bay Provincial Park and Honeymoon Bay Wildflower Ecological Reserve where many wildflower species are protected. 19km past Cowichan Lake turn right to Bamfield (65km). To Nitinat Lake and Carmanah Pacific Provincial Park, follow left.

Nitinat Lake:
This lake is a tidal inlet, connected to the ocean by Nitinat Narrows. It is known for thermal winds, making it a windsurfers paradise.

Carmanah Walbran Pacific Provincial Park:
Located about 40 km (25 miles) past Nitinat Lake is the Carmanah Walbran Pacific Provincial Park. A trail from the road leads to Carmanah Creek and onto other trails leading through stunning groves of what are believed to be the world's tallest sitka spruce. The awe-inspiring Carmanah Giant, at 95m (312 feet), may be accessed via steep and muddy hiking.

For Information:
Tourism Association of Vancouver Island
#203-335 Wesley Street, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2T5
Telephone (250) 754-3500 • Fax (250) 754-3599